Prof. Larry Pax Chegbeleh

Head-of-Department

Contact info lpchegbeleh@ug.edu.gh

About

Prof. Larry Pax Chegbeleh, is Associate Professor at the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana (UG). He holds a BSc degree (Geology and Physics) from the University of Ghana and a PhD in Earth Science & Environmental Engineering (Water Resources Engineering option) from the Graduate School of Environmental Science/Geo-environmental Evaluation Laboratory (GEL), Okayama University, Japan. 

After graduating from the PhD programme, Prof. Chegbeleh was offered a postdoctoral fellowship position as a research scientist with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), one of the largest government research institutes in Japan. He was part of a research team that researched into the hydrogeological characterisation of deep geological repository for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (herein after called, CO2 Sequestration), and high level radioactive waste disposal in Japan. Prof. Chegbeleh worked with AIST for nearly two years and returned to Ghana to take up appointment as a Lecturer at the Department of Earth Science, UG in September, 2011.

Prior to pursuing the PhD programme, Prof. Chegbeleh worked in the water and sanitation sector in Ghana. He worked first as a freelance hydrogeologist and later with World Vision-Ghana Rural Water Project (GRWP) as a Hydrogeologist and Field Manager responsible for leading drilling and siting teams to conduct hydrogeological investigations to develop water supply wells. He has successfully designed, planned, managed, monitored and evaluated water, sanitation and hygiene projects for over 500 rural communities in the Northern and Upper Regions; and some parts of the southern sector. He also developed other relevant skills in community mobilization, resources and stakeholder relationship management and capacity building that helped address inherent problems of integrated water resources governance.

Besides academic and field implementation programmes, Prof. Chegbeleh has extensive research experience spanning from his early career development during his studentship period at the Graduate School of Environmental Science where he was engaged as doctoral research assistant, involving in research activities on a number of funded projects at the Geo Environmental Evaluation Laboratory to AIST as a Post-Doctoral scholar. He demonstrated the ability to work independently or in a team with great innovations. His hard work won him various awards including exemption from payment of tuition fees throughout his stay at the university, the Okayama Rotary International Exchange Fund, the Okayama University Center of Excellence (COE) Scholarship, and Japan Students Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarship. 

Currently in UG, his research interest includes:

  • Water resources development and management. 
  • Numerical modelling of coastal aquifer systems and related seawater/freshwater interactions.
  • Geo-environmental hazards and risks assessment/protection.
  • Ground improvement techniques and slope stability analysis. 
  • Groundwater flow and transport modelling/Climate change scenarios.
  • Engineered barrier system/cut-off walls construction for seepage control. 
  • Contaminant transport and remediation in groundwater system. 

To date, Prof. Chegbeleh has published many of his research findings in high impact peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He is also a technical reviewer for a number of Journals and belongs to a number of professional associations and bodies.

Prof. Chegbeleh employs his expertise in diverse ways by providing consultancy services to the public in the research areas mentioned above.

Education

2006 – 2009: PhD, Earth Science & Environmental Engineering (Water Resources Engineering Option), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.

1993 – 1997: BSc, Geology and Physics, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana.

Research Interest

  • Water resources development and management. 
  • Numerical modelling of coastal aquifer systems and related seawater/freshwater interactions.
  • Geo-environmental hazards and risks assessment/protection.
  • Ground improvement techniques and slope stability analysis. 
  • Groundwater flow and transport modelling/Climate change scenarios.
  • Engineered barrier system/cut-off walls construction for seepage control. 
  • Contaminant transport and remediation in groundwater system. 

Publications

  • Akurugu, B.A., Yidana, S.M., Obuebie, E., Seidenfaden, I.K., Stisen, S., Chegbeleh, L.P. (2024). Groundwater Recharge Estimation from Multiple Independent Methods in the Fractured Hard Rock Aquifers in the Densu River Basin, Ghana, Sustainable Water Resources Management, Under Production for Publication.
  • Nyarko, D. A., Chegbeleh, L.P., Dzikunoo, E.A,, Ackom, E,K, Yidana, S.M. (2025). Estimation of Groundwater Recharge in Southern Ghana, Int. J. Hydrology Science and Technology, 19 (1), 73 – 92. 
  • Nunoo, S., Owusu-Sasu, T.A., Amponsah, P.O., Achampong, F., Abu, M., Forson, E.D., Ackom, E.K., Touvet, R., Dicson, P., Chegbeleh, L.P. (2024). Geological Evaluation of Black Shale as a Suitable Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) to Optimize the use of Clinker in
  • Cement Production, Heliyon, 10(19), e38605.
  • Yidana, S. M., Dzikunoo, E.A, Mejida, R.A., Ackom, E,K.,  Chegbeleh, L.P., Loh, Y.S.A., Banoeng-Yakubo, B.K., Akabzaa, T.M. (2024). Evaluating Groundwater Resources Trends Through Multiple Conceptual Models and GRACE Satellite Data, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 196(3), 290.
  • Edjah, A. K., Banoeng-Yakubo, B., Ewusi, A., Sekyi-Yeboah, E,, Saka, D., Turetta, C., Cozzi, G., Atta-Peters, D.,  Chegbeleh, L.P. (2024). Assessment of Groundwater Quantity, Quality, and Associated Health Risk of the Tano River Basin, Ghana, Acta Geochimica, 43, 325-353.
  • Addai, M. O., Fynn, O.B., Loh, Y.S.A., Chegbeleh, L.P., Alo, C., Yidana, S.M. (2023). Climate and Irrigation Scenario Analyses Using Three-Dimensional Numerical Modelling: A Case Study of the Nasia Sub-Basin in the White Volta Basin, Ghana, Hydrology Journal, 31(4), 1101-1119.
  • Afrifa, G.Y., Ansah-Narh, T., Ibrahim, K., Loh, Y.S.A., Sakyi, P.A., Chegbeleh, L.P., Yidana, S.M. (2023). A Monte Carlo Simulation Approach for the Assessment of Health Risk from NO−3 -N Perturbation in Groundwater, Modeling Earth Science Systems and Environment, 
  • Fynn, O.F., Dzikunoo, E.A., Chegbeleh, L.P., Yidana, S.M. (2023). Enhancing Adaptation to Climate Change Through Groundwater‑Based Irrigation, Sustainable Water Resources Management, 9, 36.
  • Afrifa, G.Y., Chegbeleh, L.P., Sakyi, P.A., Yidana, S.M., Loh, Y.S.A., Ansah-Narh, T., Manu, E. (2022). Quantifying Nitrate Pollution Sources and Natural Background in an Equatorial Context: A Case of the Densu Basin, Ghana, Hydrological Sciences Journal,1941-1953. 
  • Aliou, A.S., Dzikunoo, E.A., Yidana, S.M., Loh, Y., Chegbeleh, L.P. (2022). Investigation of Geophysical Signatures for Successful Exploration of Groundwater in Highly Indurated Sedimentary Basins: A Look at the Nasia Basin, NE Ghana. Natural Resourses Research, 31, 3223–3251.
  • Afrifa, G.Y., Ansah-Narh, T., Doe, C., Loh, Y.S.A., Sakyi, P.A., Chegbeleh, L.P., Yidana, S.M. (2022). A Gamma Mixture Model‑Based Approach for the Estimation of Natural Background Levels of NO3−–N in Groundwater. Modeling Earth Science Systems and Environment, 8, 4975-4983.
  • Akurugu, B.A., Obuobie, E., Yidana, S.M., Stisen, S., Seidenfaden, I.K.,  Chegbeleh, L.P. (2022). Groundwater Resources Assessment in the Densu Basin: A Review. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 40, 101017.
  • Afrifa, G.Y., Ansah-Narh, T., Loh, Y.S.A., Sakyi, P.A., Chegbeleh, L.P., Yidana, S.M. (2021). Estimation of Groundwater Heavy Metal Pollution Indices via an Amalgam of Stack Ensemble Learning,  Proc of the International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Energy Technologies, 9-10 Dec 2021, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Chagbeleh, L. P., Nkansah, L. O., Ackah, F. S., & Mejida, R. A. (2020). Analysis of Petro-physico-mechanical Properties of Coarse Aggregate and its Implications on the Performance Characteristics of Concrete. Journal of Engineering Research and Reports, 15(4), 45-60.
  • Chegbeleh, L.P., Aklika, D. K., & Akuru gu, B. A. (2020). Hydrochemical Characterization and Suitability Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Saboba and Chereponi Districts, Ghana. Hydrology, 7(3), 53.
  • Chegbeleh, L.P., & Ackah, F. S. (2020). Chemical Stabilization of Black Cotton Clay and Laterite Soil Using Drycon Powder for Suitability as Construction Materials. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, 29–39.
  • Chegbeleh, L.P., Akurugu, B. A., & Yidana, S. M. (2020). Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Talensi District, Northern Ghana. The Scientific World Journal, 2020, 1–24.
  • Yidana, Sandow Mark, Dzikunoo, E. A., Aliou, A.-S., Adams, R. M., Chagbeleh, L. P., & Anani, C. (2020). The geological and hydrogeological framework of the Panabako, Kodjari, and Bimbilla formations of the Voltaian supergroup – Revelations from groundwater hydrochemical data. Applied Geochemistry, 115, 104533.
  • Akurugu, B. A., Chegbeleh, L. P., & Yidana, S. M. (2020). Characterisation of groundwater flow and recharge in crystalline basement rocks in the Talensi District, Northern Ghana. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 161.
  • Chegbeleh, L.P., Akabzaa, T. M., Akudago, J. A., & Yidana, S. M. (2019). Investigation of critical hydraulic gradient and its application to the design and construction of bentonite-grout curtain. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78(12).
  • Yidana, S.M., Vakpo, E. K., Sakyi, P. A., Chegbeleh, L. P., & Akabzaa, T. M. (2019). Groundwater–lakewater interactions: An evaluation of the impacts of climate change and increased abstractions on groundwater contribution to the Volta Lake, Ghana. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78(3).
  • Afrifa, G. Y., Sakyi, P. A., & Chegbeleh, L. P. (2017). Estimation of groundwater recharge in sedimentary rock aquifer systems in the Oti basin of Gushiegu District, Northern Ghana. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 131, 272–283.
  • Bosompemaa, P., Yidana, S. M., & Chegbeleh, L. P. (2016). Analysis of transient groundwater flow through a stochastic modelling approach. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9 (17).
  • Addai, M. O., Yidana, S. M., Chegbeleh, L. P., Adomako, D., & Banoeng-Yakubo, B. (2016). Groundwater recharge processes in the Nasia sub-catchment of the White Volta Basin: Analysis of porewater characteristics in the unsaturated zone. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 122, 4–14.
  • Fynn, O. F., Yidana, S. M., Chegbeleh, L. P., & Yiran, G. B. (2016). Evaluating groundwater recharge processes using stable isotope signatures—The Nabogo catchment of the White Volta, Ghana. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9(4).
  • Yidana, S.M., Fynn, O. F., Adomako, D., Chegbeleh, L. P., & Nude, P. M. (2016). Estimation of evapotranspiration losses in the vadose zone using stable isotopes and chloride mass balance method. Environmental Earth Sciences, 75(3), 1–18.
  • Yidana, S.M., Fynn, O. F., Chegbeleh, L. P., Loh, Y., & Obeng, M. A. (2014). Analysis of recharge and groundwater flow in parts of a weathered aquifer system in Northern Ghana. Journal of Applied Water Engineering and Research, 2(2), 91–104.
  • Achampong, F., Anum, R. A., Boadu, F., Djangmah, N. B., & Chegbeleh, L. P. (2013). Chemical Stabilization of Laterite Soils for Road Construction Case Study: The Laterite Soils at Legon. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 4, 2019–2042.
  • Chegbeleh, L. P., Yidana, S. M., Nishigaki, M., & Achampong, F. (2014). Comparative study on the application of ethanol-bentonite slurry and salt-bentonite slurry as effective injection materials for barrier sealing. Applied Clay Science, 87, 40–45.
  • Yidana, S. M., Fynn, O. F., Chegbeleh, L. P., Nude, P. M., & Asiedu, D. K. (2013). Hydrogeological conditions of a crystalline aquifer: Simulation of optimal abstraction rates under scenarios of reduced recharge. The Scientific World Journal, 2013.
  • Yidana, S. M., & Chegbeleh, L. P. (2013). The hydraulic conductivity field and groundwater flow in the unconfined aquifer system of the Keta Strip, Ghana. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 86, 45–52.
  • Akudago, John Apambilla, Chegbeleh, L. P., Nishigaki, M., Nanedo, N. A., Ewusi, A., & Kankam-Yeboah, K. (2009). Borehole Drying: A Review of the Situation in the Voltaian Hydrogeological System in Ghana. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 01(03), 153–163.
  • Akudago, J.A., Chegbeleh, L. P., Nishigaki, M., & Nanedo, N. A. (2009). Estimating the storage and maximum annual yield of the aquifer system in northern Ghana and the potential for irrigation. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, 17, 1–13.
  • Chegbeleh, L. P., Nishigaki, M., Akudago, J. A., & Katayama, T. (2009a). Experimental study on ethanol/bentonite slurry injection into synthetic rock fractures: Application to seepage control. Applied Clay Science, 45(4), 232–238.
  • Alim, A., Nishigaki, M., Chegbeleh, L. P., Apambilla, J., & Komatsu, M. (2009). Determination of Soil-Water Characteristic Curves of Unsaturated Sandy Soils Using Membrane Filter with Stainless Wire Mesh. 4.
  • Akudago, John Apambilla, Nishigaki, M., Chegbeleh, L. P., & Alim, A. (2009). Capillary cut design for soil-groundwater salinity control. 6.
  • Chegbeleh, L. P., Nishigaki, M., Akudago, J. A., Alim, A., & Komatsu, M. (2009). Laboratory Investigation of Ethanol/Bentonite Slurry Grouting into Rock Fractures: Preliminary Results. 6.
  • Chegbeleh, L. P., Akudago, J. A., Nishigaki, M., & Edusei, S. N. K. (2009). Electromagnetic geophysical survey for groundwater exploration in the voltaian of northern ghana. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, 17, 1–16.
  • Akudago, J.A., Nishigaki, M., Chegbeleh, L. P., Alim, A., & Komastu, M. (2008). State of the art on filter design and particle clogging; and proposed new numerical approach to redesign. Journal of The Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Okayama University, 13, 63–66.
  • Chegbeleh, L. P., Nishigaki, M., Akudago, J. A., Alim, M. A., & Komatsu, M. (2008). Concepts of Repository and the Functions of Bentonite in Repository Environments: A State–of–the–Art Review. Journal of the Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Okayama University, 13, 1–5.
  • Akudago, J.A., Kankam-Yeboah, K., Chegbeleh, L. P., & Nishigaki, M. (2007). Assessment of well design and sustainability in hard-rock formations in northern Ghana. Hydrogeology Journal, 15(4), 789–797.